Mexico weekly ledger., 1887-05-05
!. MASONIC Ho,sL'
An Appeal to the Craft in the state
Of Missouri In its Behalf.

which an appear is made IN behalf of
the Home, which is given in full be-
low. The LEDGER is informed by
prominent Masons that Mexico's
chances of obtaining this institution
are good and o strong effort should
be made in this direction:
i BRETHREN:-We invite the earnest
and active cooperation of every
Mason in Missouri, in the noble and
glorious work of building a Home for
homeless Masons and for the widows
and orphans Of our deceased breth-
rem.
The specific objects of our organi-
sation, and the work already accom-
plished, are fully set forth in the
"History, Incorporation and Bylaws
of the Masonic Home of Missouri"
sent herewith to the various Masonic
bodies in the State, and we ask for
them a careful examination. The
enterprise, when accomplished, will
furnish 'Home" for the homeless
Brother Mason who may have been
unfortunate in his life struggle, where
he may end his days in peace, sur
rounded with the blessings bestowed
by grateful Brotherhood; Home
for the widows of our brethren who
are unable to support themselves, and
a Home for the helpless orphans of
the Masons of Missouri. 1t is to be
a Home indeed with all that is ina
piled in that blessed word; not sim
ply place where it's inmates will be
clothed and fed, but where influences
of Home, sweet home," may be de-
veloped to the fullest extent.
| In addition to making it q Home
for its inmates, and surrounding it
with home influences, we hope to be
able to place it upon such basis as
will enable US to educate its orphan
children, to cultivate in them habits
of industry, to develop them physi-
cally, mentally and morally, to fit
them for the duties and responsible
ties of life, to save them from lives
Of shame and crime to which many
would he driven but for such Home.
To accomplish such work will re-
quire the jealous support Of all our |
brethren.
When the magnitude of the under
taking is fully appreciated, it cannot
fail to command the. hearty co-opera-
ton of all who feel for the unfortu-
nate.
Such Home has already become
a grand success in Kentucky, where
almost half million dollars has al
ready been donated by the Masons
Of that State-less in numbers and
weaker financially than the Masons
of Missouri-and where two hundred |
orphan children of Kentucky Masons
are cared for, educated and prepared |
for llfes duties. No monument TO |
Masonic charity stands higher, no
temple, either ancient or modern, is
so beautifully adorned as the Masonic
Home OF Kentucky. Already the
Masons of New York, Pennsylvania,
Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina,
Tennessee snl many other States are
moving in this great charity work.
Will the Masons of Missouri be in
the rear in this God favored work Z
With our membership of near thirty
thousand-all good men and true
we cannot fail OF success.
No other enterprise so fully illus
trates practical Masonic charity as
this. The Grand Lodge of Missouri
is thoroughly committed to the work,
but not legally responsible in any
way. We can not, and will not in
volve it in debt. Nor will 1t attempt
to compel assessments.
There must be no forced contribu-
tions in this work. 1.-The Lord loveth |
a cheerful giver." This Home must
be the free, voluntary gift of the Ma
sons of Missouri. We ask you to |
give such sums as you can give, free
ly, cheerfuliy, and as you will love to
give, accompanied by your sincere
prayers to the widows rod for His
choicest blessings upon the Home Of
our Masonic wards. We want every
one to give something, 50 That every /.
Mason may be able 10 7gy u have +
an interest in the Home You CIV .
ing TO 90 noble purpose wtii oe
blessed by your brethren, by your
own conscience, by your brothers
widows and helpless orphan children,
and, above all, by him who has said,
"Inasmuch as ye have done il unto
one of the least Of these, ye have |
done it unto me-" Giving for this
purpose will enable you to realize
that lit IL more blessed to give than
to receive"
The Directors of the Home will |
cbeerfully conform to the directions
OF the Grand Lodge and they hope
TO be able to report TO the coming
session of that body,in October next,
such liberality on the part OF Masonic
bodies in the State and of individual
Masons as will be commensurate with |
their ability.
Brethren, may we not hope 10 be
able to report then that we have two
hundred thousand dollars pledged
for this noble workf Will you help
us raise that sunni We feel sure that /
- ILL - 7--a 20 ,,,,.. f.,Il~, III